Kennewick child rape suspect arrested in Panama

A suspected child molester was picked up in Panama in a possible attempt to escape standing trial.

On Nov. 16, Benton County sheriff’s deputies began investigating accusations that Clayton V. Haynes, 46, of Kennewick, molested two girls during the course of at least five years.

Haynes knew investigators were looking for him, Sgt. Bob Brockman said.

When police arrived, to talk to him, Haynes, an electrician, left for work in California. Then he was near Denver.

An arrest warrant was issued on Nov. 30 on charges of second-degree rape of a child, first-degree child molestation and second-degree child molestation.

Haynes was picked up when he tried to enter Panama. He was taken to Miami, where he was arrested.

He is expected to be extradited to Benton County.

This story was originally published December 8, 2017 at 2:47 PM with the headline "Kennewick child rape suspect arrested in Panama."